When it comes to paying for your dental care, you want to make sure you are avoiding excessive out-of-pocket costs. Because treatment can often lead to higher bills, you may find it necessary to enroll in a PPO plan. But when it comes to dental insurance versus a savings plan, which one is best? Learning the difference between the two can help you decide how to keep your expenses low each time you visit the dentist.
How Does Dental Insurance Work?
When signing up for a dental insurance policy, you agree to pay a monthly premium in return for access to various benefits. Each plan is different, so you cannot expect to pay the same price as someone else each month.
When it comes to the benefits, there are some stipulations that you must first meet, one of which is a deductible. This is a designated amount that you must agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance company agrees to pay more for your care. Once you meet your deductible, you will then be able to rely more on your insurance company to cover a majority of the cost.
Most insurers design their policies to be good for one calendar year, which means your benefits will expire if they are not used. And your breakdown of benefits will look something like the following:
- 100% preventive services
- 80% minor restorative services
- 50% major restorative services
Another important component of a dental insurance plan is the annual maximum, which is the allotted amount provided by your insurance company for one full year.
How Does a Dental Savings Plan Work?
A dental savings plan is vastly different than a traditional dental insurance policy, as it is tied strictly to a particular dentist’s office.
Not all professionals offer these kinds of programs, but those who do make it possible for uninsured individuals to pay one low fee per year (or monthly) in exchange for preventive coverage and discounts on other available treatments.
There are no deductibles, annual maximums, waiting periods, or pre-authorizations required, so the red tape commonly found with PPO plans does not exist. Instead, you can immediately begin taking advantage of the benefits offered by your dentist.
Which One is Best?
Knowing which option is right for your needs will require that you determine how you plan to use your benefits. Many individuals believe dental insurance is necessary, especially if more extensive services are required (i.e., root canals, dental crowns, tooth extractions, etc.). But if your oral health is in good shape, you may find it beneficial to choose a dental savings plan.
No matter which option you choose, you can trust that your dental team will do their best to help you save every time.
About Grand Dental – Aurora
At Grand Dental – Aurora, we are pleased to not only welcome your dental insurance but also provide uninsured individuals the option to enroll in our Grand Advantage Plan. With multiple payment options that patients can choose from, we make it easy to receive high-quality care while ensuring our services remain affordable. Visit our website or call (630) 538-8302 to find out how we can help.